"We're starting to hear about these skimmers attaching to self-checkout lanes in grocery stores and retail," Felicia Thompson of the Phoenix Better Business Bureau said, explained that crooks are using what's called a "quick hit" tactic.

Footage from a self-checkout terminal inside a Kentucky Wal-Mart shows a man shielding his partner, who pulls a skimming device out of his jacket and pops it in place. It only took two seconds but the thieves made off with as much as $20,000 from at least 38 victims.

"It's something that's easy and the retail staff isn't paying attention to that lane necessarily, so we're seeing people really take advantage of that situation across the country," Thompson said.

Criminals love the self-checkout terminals because there's no attendant or cashier to catch them installing a skimmer.

"I think it's just one more thing that we need to be worried about," Thompson said.

There have been no reports yet that any stores in Arizona have been targeted but there have been numerous reports in neighboring states, so be aware of if you're planning a trip out of town.

"It's really important for people to know that this is just another thing to be aware of as they go to different kind of grocery stores even, not in town but across the country as they're traveling throughout the summer," Thompson said.

The FBI offers several tips to help you protect yourself from losing your credit card information to a skimmer.

Inspect the ATM, gas pump or credit card reader before using it. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked or damaged, or if you notice scratches or tape residue.

When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.

If possible, use an ATM at an inside location. They usually allow less access for criminals to install skimmers.

Also, be careful of ATMs in tourist areas; they are popular targets for skimmers.

Thompson says it's important for consumers to just pay attention.

"They're just going to get more sophisticated and these scammers are going to seem more legit because they have the technology to help them create those images and messages," she said.

For additional information about credit card skimmers click on the following links:

3 On Your Side

Consumers are app crazy, and not only to control temps or lights. They're unlocking doors and maybe even seeing what's inside the fridge. (Source: Alexander Kirch via 123RF)

"Oftentimes, the companies that make these products insist that even though you might own the physical object, you don't own the software code inside of it," he said. "And that code is really fundamental to the operation of those products."

"Oftentimes, the companies that make these products insist that even though you might own the physical object, you don't own the software code inside of it," digital rights specialist and author Aaron Perzanowski said. "And that code is really fundamental to the operation of those products."

3 On Your Side

Sun Lakes is in the East Valley and is known for having active adult communities for retirees like Bernie Van Emden. "You name it, they got it here,” Van Emden said of all of the amenities in his development.

Sun Lakes is in the East Valley and is known for having active adult communities for retirees like Bernie Van Emden. "You name it, they got it here,” Van Emden said of all of the amenities in his development.

Information about a robocall settlement has been trending on social media and a lot of consumers are wondering it's legitimate. It is true! Open the story to find out what you have to do to get your money.

Information about a robocall settlement has been trending on social media and a lot of consumers are wondering it's legitimate. It is true! Open the story to find out what you have to do to get your money.

3 On Your Side

Larry Lumsden uses his computer a lot and in some cases, he has to print something. "The only time I print is when I make a reservation or a tee time or bank statements once a month," Lumsden told 3 On Your Side.

Larry Lumsden uses his computer a lot and in some cases, he has to print something. "The only time I print is when I make a reservation or a tee time or bank statements once a month," Lumsden told 3 On Your Side.

3 On Your Side

When you head into a stressful job interview, you know what they say: never let ‘em see you sweat. But what if your prospective employer made you sweat --on purpose -- as part of the interview itself? (Source: 3TV/CBS 5)

When you head into a stressful job interview, you know what they say: never let ‘em see you sweat. But what if your prospective employer made you sweat --on purpose -- as part of the interview itself?